AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  AC-130J

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Thomas R. O'Boyle for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Air Mission Commander, Joint Special Operations Aviation Detachment South, Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component, Special Operations Command Central near AL Faw Peninsula, Iraq on 20 March 2003. On that date, while exposed to extreme danger from enemy surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and small arms fire, Colonel O'Boyle successfully orchestrated the critical strategic mission to secure Iraq's AL Faw Peninsula oil production and storage facilities from enemy sabotage and destruction. Flying on an AC-130J Gunship, dangerously low, slow and close to known threats to maximize command and control effectiveness, as well as precision fire control, Colonel O'Boyle directed the massive air effort of over 50 aircraft representing the United States Air Force, Marines and Navy, as well as coalition forces. This Air Force transported and protected United States Special Forces and United Kingdom Royal Marines and Commandos during their infiltration to the objective area and supported their withdrawal. During the mission, he overcame unanticipated enemy resistance and schedule delays and adjusted the extremely tight timeline while ensuring the various participants maintained situation awareness and an orderly sequence of events. He commanded real-time adjustments to timing, aircraft sequencing, and aerial refueling, overcoming the lack of interoperability between service and coalition radio communications. At one point, his gunship came under direct fire from 23 and 37-millimeter anti-aircraft artillery fire. The aircraft was able to escape damage by evasive maneuvers undertaken by the crew. He also coordinated the suppression of enemy forces aboard an Iraqi PB-90 patrol boat. The resulting destruction of the PB-90 was the first time an AC-130J Gunship sank a vessel in combat. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel O'Boyle reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.